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Nicola Paparusso | |
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![]() Portrait Photo of Nicola Paparusso | |
Born | Nicola Paparusso 7 November 1963 |
Nationality | Italian |
Alma mater | University of Naples Federico II |
Occupations |
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Years active | 1997–present |
Known for | African Fashion Gate |
Children | 2 |
Website | nicolapaparusso |
Nicola Paparusso SMOM OMRI (7 November 1963), [1] is an Italian entrepreneur, talent manager, media producer, writer, and activist. He is known as the manager of Khaby Lame, [2] and founder of African Fashion Gate (AFG), a non-profit organization advocating for the inclusion of African and Afro-descendant voices within the global fashion industry. [3] [4]
Paparusso studied at the University of Naples Federico II, where he earned degrees in political science and administration. [5]
In 2006, during the 15th Legislature of the Italian Senate, Paparusso served as a legislative adviser to the President of the Defense Committee, Sergio De Gregorio. [6] [7] He later worked with the Italian Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. [8]
In 2024, Paparusso founded Paparusso Communication, a media and marketing company involved in the production of television and film content. Among his credited works is "Gran Galà del Made in Italy " (English: Grand Gala of Made in Italy), co-written and produced by Paparusso, and directed by Giancarlo Nicotra. [9] [8] The program was co-produced with Rai 1 and broadcast internationally through Rai Italia. [9] It also received the Medal of Representation from the 11th President of Italy Giorgio Napolitano. [9]
In the music sector, he has been involved in the production of music videos, notably those featuring international artists such as Pitbull, Osmani Garcia, Stevie Wonder, and Mao Otayeck. Some of the music videos include “La Voz (GOL)” (by Osmani Garcia, featuring Pitbull), [10] and "Carry On" and "Wait" (by Mao Otayeck and Stevie Wonder). He also wrote and directed the short films “La Dieta Mediterranea” (commissioned by the Agriculture Ministry), [11] “Racism is not in style”, and “Nessuno Escluso”, distributed by Rai Cinema. [8] [3] [4]
Paparusso serves as editor of Voci in Passerella, an online publication registered in Verona. Paparusso has written several books, including the novels "L’infiltrato" [8] and "Caffè Corretto", [4] the latter of which received the Approdi d’Autore literary award. [8] His essay "Angeli Assassini" explores sociological themes and was presented at various Italian literary events. [12] In addition to his work in media and management, Paparusso has taught courses on fashion sociology. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Seville, [8] [6] and a Member of the Scientific Council of the Master in Management at the University of Turin. [6] In 2025, he started covering the Venice International Film Festival for ShowLand News. [13]
In 2024, Paparusso began managing Senegalese-Italian content creator Khaby Lame, who is among the most followed social media personalities globally. [2] Under his management, Lame expanded into mainstream entertainment, including a cameo appearance in the film Bad Boys: Ride or Die, and the development of a docu-reality series and film projects in collaboration with international production studios. [2] In the same year, he began managing the Hungarian social media influencer Mr. Thank You. [14]
He founded African Fashion Gate (AFG) in 2015, an organization that advocates for the inclusion of African and Afro-descendant voices in the fashion industry. [4] [15] The group has organized events and award ceremonies at venues such as the European Parliament in Brussels and the European Commission Representation in Rome. AFG's signature event, "Premio la Moda Veste la Pace " ("Fashion Wears Peace Awards"), celebrates designers and public figures who support anti-racism, diversity, and human rights. [16]
In the same year, Paparusso teamed up with Naomi Campbell to promote African Haute Couture, beginning their journey in Senegal in search of models. [17] Under Paparusso’s leadership, AFG has developed partnerships with international bodies such as the European Parliament and UNESCO, [15] focusing on issues of racism, discrimination, and underrepresentation in the fashion and creative sectors. [18] The organization’s flagship initiative, La Moda Veste la Pace, is an annual event that honors designers and public figures who champion diversity, human rights, and anti-racism. Past honorees have included Valentino Garavani, Giorgio Armani, Makaziwe Mandela, and Naomi Campbell. [19]
Another notable program initiated by Paparusso is the Ethical Fashion Award, an accolade presented annually at the European Parliament. [15] The award recognizes individuals and brands for their commitment to ethical practices, inclusivity, and cultural diplomacy through fashion. [15] It serves as a platform to foster dialogue between Africa and Europe, using fashion as a tool for peacebuilding and intercultural understanding. [15]
On 23 June 2018, Paparusso married Marietou Dione, [21] a Senegalese model and activist. Paparusso is also the father of the Italian fashion entrepreneur Axel Paparusso. In November 2011, his relationship with Samanta Togni, [22] an Italian dancer became public and ended in 2013. [23]
Year | Title/Project | Role |
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1998 | L’infiltrato | Novelist |
2008 | Caffè Corretto | Novelist |
2014 | Angeli Assassini | Novelist |
Year | Film | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2011 | La Dieta Mediterranea | Writer / Director | Short film |
2018 | Racism is not in style | Writer / Director | |
2021 | Nessuno Escluso | Writer / Director | |
2025 | Anime Di Coraggio [24] | Producer |
Year | Program | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2009-2011 | Gran Galà del Made in Italy | Co‑writer / Producer | TV Program |
2011 | Un giorno in divisa [25] | Producer | TV Program |
2014 | Estate in Ballo [26] | Producer | TV Program |